This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Published on July 2, 2020, a new crop diversification programme is set to benefit farmers in Ahero, with a contract farming scheme for the production of sorghum and green grams.
The National Irrigation Authority plans to expand the Ahero Irrigation Scheme by 1,000 acres, with the aim of diversifying the crops grown in the area.
While the scheme is commonly known for large-scale rice production, farmers are now being encouraged to grow sorghum, a raw material for the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) plant in the county.
"In partnership with EABL and Cisqo Exporters, we will start scouting for farmers in Ahero by next week," said Joel Tanui, the senior scheme manager of the National Irrigation Authority's Western Kenya region.
According to Mr Tanui, the two companies will provide seeds and fertiliser, and then buy the produce once it is ready.
"Green grams have a lot of potential in this region considering there is favourable climate and soil to support its farming. In addition, there will be a ready market once the produce is mature," he said.
The authority is already constructing water canals to enable the farmers access water.
With this initiative, the county will join green gram heavy weights such as Kitui and Tharaka-Nithi counties.
"We target about 400 tonnes of green grams for the export market. The export company will buy from farmers at a price of Sh80 a kilo," said Mr Tanui.
